Hidden pieces of code have been a part of computer software for decades. Referred to as easter eggs, they show up when a specific (and usually undocumented) set of commands is given – in Android, for example, tapping several times on the device's firmware version displays a secret screen. What we're about to go over, however, is not an easter egg. It is a hidden menu found on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and it can be used for checking whether the device is in good working order.

So by now you're probably wondering how to access this secret menu. Well, you do that by opening the Phone app and entering the code *#0*# as if you were to dial it. The said menu will appear as soon as you input the last symbol.

Most of the options listed in this secret menu aren't particularly interesting. For example, Red, Green, Blue, and Black let you check the screen's output for flaws, such as stuck pixels or color irregularities. But hit Sensor and you'll be taken to a cool-looking screen where raw data from your phone's sensors is displayed. Also, there are graphs visualizing readings from your accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. Oddly, if you hit Image Test you'll be shown a picture of a chihuahua. This means there's a photo of someone's pet dog hidden in millions of Galaxy smartphones, as silly as it may seem.

The Touch test can be useful if you have doubts about your touchscreen's accuracy. Each rectangle where a tap is detected is highlighted, and your finger's trace is represented by a black line. There's also the Sub key test for checking whether the phone's capacitive keys are in order. The Receiver test checks the earpiece for malfunctions, and the Speaker test blasts a mysterious pop song through the loudspeaker.

So that is Samsung's hidden test menu found on Galaxy handsets. If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to check it out or to search for other secret codes at your own risk. Got any codes you'd like to share? The comments section is all yours!

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 6:21 PM 1

Posts: 1067; Member since: Dec 06, 2013

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 6:45 PM 11

what about the iPhone 8 or the galaxy note 10? or the galaxy alpha 4 or the moto X 2018? since "ever" means the best from the past and the future....
see? dont say stuff like that, whether is android or apple it just makes you look stupid

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 8:45 PM 4

Posts: 542; Member since: Aug 29, 2014

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 12:19 AM 2

Posts: 3; Member since: Oct 27, 2014

The only way i would ever buy an iphone, if the case is made of adamantium and has a shatterproof sapphire display. The only company in the world who has the nuts to charge its loyal customers 3 x the cost of manufacturing and gets away with it time and time again.

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 7:02 PM 1

Posts: 14967; Member since: Sep 25, 2013

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 7:03 PM 2

Posts: 2; Member since: Oct 26, 2014

Well of course not Verizon locks the phone down so tight no one but them have access. They are nothing but GREADY POWER HAPPY CONTROL FREAKS who think only they have the right to do stuff with your phone.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 12:01 AM 1

Posts: 1149; Member since: Feb 11, 2010

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 7:37 PM 3

Posts: 5192; Member since: Oct 28, 2013

Yup use it all the time when customers come in complaining about a 'feature' of their device and all they are wanting is a new one cause their corner of their device is chiped. So I pull up the menu, make sure all is fine, and tell them sorry your device works.

posted on Oct 26, 2014, 8:45 PM 1

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